AMY SZPARA

PHOTO: Monsignor Robert Vincent, who has been the pastor of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace for 15 years, is retiring next month. The painting of the church in the background of the photo was created by local artist Janice Babin. A priest’s work is never done, partly because there is a shortage of priests and partly because there is always someone in need, services to be provided and prayers to be said. But, Monsignor Robert Vincent loves his work, and even though he will soon retire, he says that a priest never really retires. “Being a priest is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week profession,” he said. He is retiring July 6, after more than 15 years at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, but he is not retiring from the priesthood. “When we retire, we’re not just sitting down doing nothing. We just don’t have the responsibility of a parish. But, I will still be out there helping other reverends out,” Vincent said. He began at St. Joan of Arc as a co-pastor in 1985, and he was appointed pastor in 1989. “It’s a wonderful place,” Vincent said of the area that he serves. “The people are so nice that I’m staying here.” He recently bought a home on Mimosa Street in LaPlace, which he will live in after he moves from the rectory. “I’m going to read all the books that I never had a chance to read,” Vincent said. “I haven’t been to a movie in 25 years.” Though he may get a little reading done and take in a movie or two, he plans to spend most of his time serving people, just as he always has in the past. “Every weekend I will be out doing some work in different parishes. I will be helping other priests,” he said. His father arrived in America from Poland, and met his Baptist mother in North Carolina. “I’m the result,” he said. After coming to the United States, Vincent’s father changed his last name from Nacarshivich, a name difficult for most American’s to pronounce, and used his middle name, Vincent, as his last name. Born in Fayetteville, N.C., Robert Vincent does get back home to visit his sister when he gets an occasional vacation. Every couple of years he goes home to see her and will continue to do that after his retirement. Having completed his theology curriculum at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in 1958, he began his work as a priest shortly after. He has numerous degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Ottawa in Canada. Vincent has worked as a professor of Bible and Biblical languages at several universities and has held positions in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He was named Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1999. He hadn’t planned to become a priest originally, he said. He was going into medicine. “Then an angel came down and tickled my toes and said, You’re it,'” he said. “I’ve always had a desire to help people. It’s amazing how many priests start out in medicine, then turn to the priesthood. Now I just help people spiritually, rather than physically. ” Vincent said he has enjoyed his time serving the people of St. Joan of Arc. “They are supporting people,” he said. “The kind of people you like to work with because they’re serious about their faith. I’ve had a wonderful time being pastor here. I’m not sad that it’s over. I’m glad that it happened.” One of Vincent’s good friends and a person that he credits a lot of work to is Russell Bologna, who he said relieves him of a good deal of administrative duties. “Without him, I wouldn’t have the time I need to serve people,” Vincent said. Bologna said that Vincent has been a good friend to him as well. “He’s such a great inspiration, both spiritually and emotionally. He’s been a mentor to me. We’ve developed a great relationship over the years,” Bologna said. “We hope we will still see quite a bit of him.” About Vincent, Bologna continued, “He’s a good friend and a good person to work for. In a way I’m envious. I wish I was retiring. He’s definitely put in his time, though, and he deserves to relax and enjoy life. He has served this church and parish and his flock. It’s time for him to relax.” On July 7, a new pastor, the Rev. Wayne Paysse, will take over at St. Joan of Arc.